Summer, 2001 rekaye.home.mindspring.com/TLA.html Editor: Rob Kaye

Meeting summaries

On June 16^th, the lake gathered for the annual Turtle Lake Association membership meeting and pot luck dinner. Extra tables had to be set up to handle the larger than usual crowd of folks hungry for both food and info on lake activities. After the usual terrific dinner brought by all, topped off by Scott Porter's donated ham and Carol Behrens' terrific crew of volunteer organizers, the crowd enjoyed the raffle, which brought in $125 for the general fund. 
 

Afterwards, the meeting was called to order by president Rob Kaye. Highlighting the event were our two guests, Audrey Greene who is the new Walworth County Lakes Expert, andWayne Redenius, Chairman of the Richmond Town Board. Both provided valuable insight to Association matters and we extend our thanks to them for attending.
 

With the great amount of business to be attended to, Rob called an additional board meeting that was held on July 28^th. We'll condense the reports of both meetings into one combined story below. 
 

Treasure's Report

Balance on hand as of 5/10/01 $3297.70

Balance on hand as of 6/16/01 $3,879.17

Balance on hand as of 7/28/01        $4393.14

All outstanding bills are paid.

Full reports can be found at the web page or sent by mail by calling Rob
 

Milfoil

Per previous meetings, Dick Gronert has been looking into additional spraying of the Milfoil. The extremely busy DNR finally came to the lake. It turns out that our lake is doing pretty good, with little milfoil outside the channel. However, continued vigilance is needed. Please report any sightings of live Milfoil to Rob at (847) 895-1149 or rekaye@mindspring.com, or Dick and Elaine Gronert at rrgeg@elknet.net.

The board passed a motion to authorize spraying in the spring. Pat Carroll will attend the Township budget meeting to ask for financial assistance, but we will spray regardless of any monies being donated.
 

In addition, Darren Franzen created a "blanket" to cover the Milfoil with, killing it from lack of sunlight. The DNR informed us we would have to replant native species where the blanket was. It was decided to table this for the time being.
 

Membership

Thanks to the survey and recent newsletters, membership of the association has increased in the last few months to over 50 families. Thanks to (among many others) the Dannenberg, Eubank, Gerdes, McNeel, Offen, Kennedy, Reilly, Alba and Sheehan families! Its great to have you with us!
 

In order to increase membership and awareness of important lake protection activities, the membership committee has been re-created. The members are Chuck Oswald, Elaine Gronert, Judy Jaeger and chairwoman Patricia Carroll. Among their duties they will be following up on is an initiative started by Audrey Green. She has provided the TLA and Lake Geneva realtors with packets containing information important to Lake Property owners. The committee will be watching for transactions around the lake. The committee has held their first meeting and will be following up with a plan of action for the next board meeting.
 

Survey results

Thanks to all who sent in responses to the survey. Of the 174 surveys sent, 50 (29%) were returned. Respondents asked TLA to continue working on Milfoil (38%), Lake Classification (20%) and Education Sessions (16%). When asked about which month would be best for the annual meeting, June won with 16 votes, July and August each had 10.
 

Also, a list of more than 20 names were submitted by folks who are willing and able to volunteer to help the TLA in its protective activities. Thanks! We'll put those names to good use.
 

A complete survey report is available on the website or by calling Rob. 

Land Report

All counties are required to provide the state with a land use report within the next few years. The Township is working on their report so that it can supercede any work done by the county, thus allowing us (the Township) to locally control our own land use. Mr. Redinius asked us to support the Township Boards efforts at the voting booth. 

Some good news; the DNR knows about the endangered snake on the Grossman

property, and is trying to acquire funds to purchase the final 12 acres. The board will be drafting a letter for all to send to our state reps asking to assist in this matter. We will forward it to property owners soon.

Neighborhood Watch

A sudden rash of break-ins and vandalisms has struck Turtle Lake. Although at least one of the offenders has been caught, this is a good time to remind all to watch out for your neighbors. Make sure you have traded phone numbers, and let them know when you'll be gone. Lets all keep an eye out for one another!
 

Lake Conference Information

Darren Franzen compiled a 25 page packet that was distributed at the Annual Meeting. It contained information acquired at the two lakes conferences attended by many board members. The

board will be putting together information sheets on many topics. More details to follow.
 

Boating regulations

Cheryl Mitasek has discovered the phone number for the local warden, who has promised to respond promptly to violations reported. Contact him at:

262-949-1544
 

Walworth Cty Lake Association

Rob Kaye attended an organizational meeting on 7/28/01 led by Audrey Green and a facilitator. Approximately 12 lakes were represented. Short and long term goals were discussed. The group hopes to champion issues important to area lakes and present a voice that is stronger than any individual lake group on issues such as local control of lakes, land use & zoning, and sharing of ideas and projects.

Membership Dues are due!

Dues are $25 per household and are active from July to June. This donation helps us provide you lake information through this newsletter along with allowing us to support various lake organizations like thedockuminium legal fund or the Wis. Assoc. of Lakes. Milfoil spraying comes from this money also. Send those dues in!